What is the best outboard in terms of reliability and cost of ownership?

[Mike 12345]

Is there a brand of outboard that is generally accepted as being very reliable, and at the same time is semi-economical to own?  By economical, I mean that the parts are generally pretty available and affordable.

I have no interests in brand wars with this question, I'm just trying to get a handle on whether there are any 'generally accepted' ideas on outboards and which (if any) seems to offer the best blend of worry free operation and affordability (repar cost, maintenance, etc).

The 18 yo Merc that I currently run is OK, but parts are costly and repair bills are making me look hard at trading up at the end of the season-  that's why I'm asking--

Thanks!

[ba7ss3in]

What size are you looking for. I own a 150-Vmax Yamaha and have not heard anything bad about them.

[Mike 12345]

The Merc I am currently running is a 150, and I'm happy with that on a 18ft boat.  I don't tournament fish, so I really don't need to go 70mph up the lake on a giant engine.

That's not to say I would not jump on a boat with a 200 or 225 if it could be had for a good price............

To make a hot rod analogy.......lots of people build Chevy motors, and the market makes tons of aftermarket parts to support that, and those parts tend to be less expensive than parts made for an Olds or Pontiac, for example.  Looking for a good solid outboard with strong reliability and readily available, not-as-expensive parts when needed.

Those two concepts may not go together in the real world, just checking-  

[billbo]

I have run Mercury and Johnson-Evinrude. I have had good success out of all of them. I know there are problem which arise sometimes. Taking care of the outboard and servicing it on a regular basis extends the life. We all have our favorites and depending on who you talk to is the best motor.

[Tin]

I would say the deals and warranties on the E-Tec's these days are hard to beat, even thougn I'm a Merc guy. If you have a good (the key part to puzzle)  service center around, you won't have many issues.

[ba7ss3in]

I would say the deals and warranties on the E-Tec's these days are hard to beat, even thougn I'm a Merc guy. If you have a good (the key part to puzzle) service center around, you won't have many issues.

I agree on the E-Tecs

[Madhouse27]

We all have our brand preferences (I like Yamaha) but it's hard to knock any of the new outboards. I might spend a little bit of time researching the reputations of the local dealers/service departments and see if that steers you in a certain direction. If you hear that one is head and shoulders above the others that might be the brand to go with. Do you already have a boat or are you shopping for the whole package?

[Mike 12345]

We all have our brand preferences (I like Yamaha) but it's hard to knock any of the new outboards. I might spend a little bit of time researching the reputations of the local dealers/service departments and see if that steers you in a certain direction. If you hear that one is head and shoulders above the others that might be the brand to go with. Do you already have a boat or are you shopping for the whole package?

I do have a boat now, but I'll be looking to buy a whole separate boat and motor.  The boat I have now has an 18 year old Merc XR4 150....when running down the lake, it is great.....but, it seems to need expensive repairs more often than what I would really expect. I don't really blame it on Mercury, but it may just be that the previous owner did not maintain it well, or that it is older, and that parts are more scarce and expensive.

Thats really the reason I am trying to find out if any brands really seem to be more reliable / trouble free than another.

[GLADES]

I you decide to switch to another brand motor, dont forget the controls. They usually do not interchange. They cost several hundred bucks.

A 1990 XR4 150 is a great motor.

Maybe your outboard mechanic is what needs replacing.

[Mike 12345]

A 1990 XR4 150 is a great motor.

Maybe your outboard mechanic is what needs replacing.

This is another possibility that has crossed my mind........

[Jig Man]

Mercury has the lion's share of the market.  You will find more dealers and more techs who are Merc trained than any other brand. Example; A tech friend of mine has been turning wrenches of 8 years.  He just got Evinrude training this past winter.  He has been Merc cert. for 8 years.

[Way2slow]

The best make/brand motor is the one that don't break while you own it, which is something any of them can do. Every make has their demons.

The new Evinrude E-tecs are the hot item right now, but that don't mean they don't break. Go to one of the major B.A.S.S. tournaments on one of the maga size lakes and you will see the factory guys for all makes swapping out power heads. I saw Yamaha and Mercury run out of power heads at on of the big lakes once and Evinrude only swapped out two

I have a friend that fishes the FLW and is sponsored by Ranger and Evinrude and Evinrude put three new powerheads on his boat this past season. He just got his new boat so looking forward to see this motor holds up.